From a Teachers' lens!

The last time I was dealing with teenagers, I was one myself. Also, while looking after my brothers who were then toddlers, we all were entitled to our ludicrousness.

Years later, I enter a classroom filled with teenagers and the stench of their sweat. Half-heartedly, half the class stands up to wish the teacher and while she's almost asyphixated, she responds with a smile and says, "sit down."

Me when I enter the classroom.

What follows suit, is thirty five minutes of giving your best as a teacher on most days. That's not the exciting part, its the response of the students which startles me. Two students constantly smiling while I teach the consequences of the Quit India Movement. Wondering what could be possibly funny about this topic. A student who is fast asleep. Another one waiting for the perfect moment to ask, 'May I go to the washroom?'. Ten students who are intently listening. Few others who are pretending to listen. A students, who five minutes into the class, frivilously asks his classmate, "How much time is remaining?". Amidst all of that, you manage to teach because you got to keep up with the syllabus. It's a race where there are only rabbits, no place for tortoises.

Me when I cannot undertsand the genz lingo my students use.

I teach a subject which according to popular belief works as the perfect lullaby- History. A subject that I've grown to love even more since I became a teacher. Back in the day, when I opted for humanities or arts, everyone around me had a question mark on their faces. I was often asked, 'What are your plans, beta?' in a rather sardonic way in comparison to my peers who would be glaring with pride because they were science students. Safe to say, over the decade nothing has changed. The students who've opted for commerce and arts, themslves indugle in self-depricating humour about their choices. Sigh!

When my students are testing my patince and I cannot do anything about it.

Dealing with teenagers and their antics for eight hours a day is of course an award-winning task. The kind of excuses they come up with and the way they argue, I could happily write a book on that. The best excuse however is, 'I don't know'. They look you in the eye and say the most stupid things with so much conviction that you're dying to burst out into laughter. But, you cannot because decorum!

When the students start with their never ending excuses.

But, it is the exam duty that is exasperating and a true test of your patience. Two hours of sitting idle while the stduents are intently writing their exam, some of them are wondering what to write and while the others have forgotten how to write. Been there done that.

However, all of this is part of the job.

It's the lack of respect that is baffling. The sheer audacity of the students to say the things that they do. I mean, you could say a lot of things as a response but that's the toughest part of the job. To maintain your cool when you're least expected to. To draw a line. To maintain your dignity while trying to reason with the student. These are moments that eventually comprise of 'bad days'. But, the good days. It is the good days that make this profession worth it.

Just what you're supposed to do during exams. Stare (daydream) & Invigilate.

The validation you receive from the students is not just heart-warming. It is a blessing. The best part is, it is immediate. You can see it in their eyes, and quite sometimes in their mouth while they are conveniently yawning away. Nevertheless, the students will tell you right away how good of a teacher you are. It'll show in their gestures. Their faces shall light up as you walk into the classroom. They'd want to interact with you. They'd love to be in your company. They'd also recommend anime to you. Most importantly. they'd show up to school especially for the double periods of history on Friday! That's when you know you're probably doing something right. The acknowledgement of the students and their sincere apologies is all that matters to a teacher. And, yes we can tell if you're trying to be nice or it's a personality trait.

When you want to look distracted but you can hear the gossip.

I marvel at the knowledge my students have. I get to learn so much from them. Those who conduct themselves solemnly, remind me of the student I was. Some are in fact even better. I once appreciated a student for wishing teachers at any given point of time, unlike the rest who'd glance at you and then glance away ignoring your presence in the corridors or anywhere else, except the classroom. Till date, the student, although I am not teaching him this year, greets me with a smile and says, "Good afternoon ma'am."

That is the best feeling, to know that the future is in safe hands. I often wonder if my teachers ever felt that way looking at us.

Teaching is more than just a job. It tests you from time to time. Your heart needs to be in the right place. You must have integrity and maintain dignity at all times. You also have to be correct and proper at all times, which is a little far fetched so I like to be my vulnerable around my students. I accept when I am at fault. I hate to play the 'I am your teacher and I am always correct' card, but have to sometimes. I don't encourage arguments but love to engage in meaningful conversations. Most importantly, I try and be as unbiased as I can be.

Still trying to get better at teaching and and a better teacher.